SWAGÊÓƵ

The mission of the Education programs is to develop reflective teachers and school leaders who are competent and caring lifelong learners. Our faculty members are dedicated to our students, university, and community through our research, service, and innovative teaching. In addition to the mission statement, the Education programs have four guiding principles that are used in development and delivery of all courses and programs. These principles are:

• Rigorous mind
• Compassionate heart
• Competent demonstration
• Reflective stance

These guiding principles are integrated into all of our programs and align with our mission statement to define our commitment to our students. The Education programs are aligned with state teacher certification standards, and only individuals who demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, professional attitude, and commitment to future students will be recommended by the institution for certification.

The Education program offers an undergraduate major in Educational Studies for students interested in the study of educational foundations, methods, and processes. The major includes a culminating capstone where students will engage in an educational experience to deepen their understanding of the complexity of education and schooling as well as develop the ability to think critically about the ways in which education intersects with a broad range of social, cultural, political, and economic forces. The Educational Studies major does not lead to teacher certification.

• Students will reflect on their understanding of how individual differences and diverse cultures impact education to create inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
• Students will design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences that reflect their understanding of  how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas.
• Students will demonstrate they have acquired and mastered the dispositions defining professionalism.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth and to advance the profession.

FIELD EXPERIENCE

The faculty in the Education programs are committed to ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. All students engaged in education courses will spend time in a field setting in each of the semesters for which they are registered for education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., observation, teaching lessons, conducting experiments, administering assessments, etc.). Students in Educational Studies will also have internship experiences in school or educational settings that support their career aspirations.

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship, or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their major advisor. 

TRANSFER CREDIT

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at SWAGÊÓƵ in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five years. Other restrictions apply. See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Candidates for all undergraduate education programs not already possessing a bachelor’s degree must meet the core requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences and the requirements for their major. Educational Studies certification requirements for the major rests solely within the Education programs. 

Students enrolled in Educational Studies must maintain a GPA consistent with the SWAGÊÓƵ undergraduate GPA requirements.

In addition to these achievement requirements, students admitted to SWAGÊÓƵ's teacher education programs are assessed systematically for the purpose of determining their professionalism and suitability for teaching. Students complete a self-assessment SAPA each semester through advising and these are reviewed by faculty. If serious reservations arise, a committee will convene to determine a student’s continuance in the program. Finally, students must show evidence of meeting program outcomes through a presentation given to a faculty panel.

COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY

In the fall, spring, and summer semesters, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

INCOMPLETE POLICY

An Incomplete (I) grade may be given by the instructor to a student, who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The Incomplete grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond six weeks following the end of the semester or 30 days following the end of an eight-week session. Until changed, the Incomplete grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the deadline date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F grade for the course. Once an Incomplete grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to the dean's list, good standing, or probationary standards.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

All coursework, including the internship, should be completed within a five-year timeframe.  A delay beyond the five years might warrant the retaking of coursework.  

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Informationsection of this catalog.